National Curriculum Objectives - Light - Year 6

The National Curriculum for Year 6 science stipulates that pupils should develop a clear understanding of light and its properties. One of the key concepts they must grasp is that light is perceived to travel in straight lines. This fundamental idea is used to explain several phenomena, such as the visibility of objects. Pupils learn that objects become visible either because they emit light or because they reflect light into the eye. This principle is also extended to explain how we are able to see anything at all; it is because light travels from sources to our eyes directly or via reflection from objects to our eyes.

Additionally, the curriculum covers the explanation of shadows, teaching pupils that shadows occur and take the same shape as the objects casting them precisely because light travels in straight lines. Beyond these concepts, substantive knowledge in this area includes understanding how light travels, demonstrating the process of seeing objects, and explaining the formation of shadows. Pupils are also introduced to simple optical instruments like periscopes, telescopes, binoculars, mirrors, and magnifying glasses, learning how they work in relation to the straight-line travel of light. This comprehensive study of light equips Year 6 pupils with the knowledge to understand both the behaviour of light and the mechanisms of human vision.